‘Bidders will be competing for spectrum in two separate bands – 800MHz and 2.6GHz. The lower frequency 800MHz band is part of the ‘digital dividend’ freed up when analogue terrestrial TV was switched off, which is ideal for widespread mobile coverage,’ said Ofcom.

Combined, the two new bands add up to 250MHz of additional mobile spectrum to the UK’s bandwidth. Ofcom says this additional spectrum will allow for broader coverage across the UK.

‘This combination of low and high frequency spectrum creates the potential for 4G mobile broadband services to be widely available across the UK, while offering capacity to cope with significant demand in urban centres,’ Ofcom added.

Ed Richards, Ofcom Chief Executive, said: ‘The 4G auction will be a competitive process that will dictate the shape of the UK mobile phone market for the next decade and beyond.’

‘New 4G services will stimulate investment, growth and innovation in the UK and deliver significant benefits to consumers in terms of better, faster and more reliable mobile broadband connections.’